Rich Entertainment Group's Buffalo Waterfront announces Labor Day weekend lineup

As summer winds down, visitors to Canalside and Outer Harbor can enjoy host of activities

Buffalo Waterfront will host a variety of fun, family-friendly activities at Canalside and the Outer Harbor as Western New York celebrates Labor Day weekend.

√ Wilkeson Pointe will host the final two “Sounds of Buffalo” live music events on Friday, Sept. 1, with a “Night of the Grateful Dead” featuring Dead Alliance of Buffalo at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Sept. 2, with Buffalo Music Club Live. These events will kick off the final weekend of operation at the Wilkeson Pointe Beer Garden. Food and beverage specials will be available throughout the weekend, with Sept. 4 marking the last day open to the public until spring 2025, as the area undergoes construction of a new food service building with restrooms, a new outdoor seating area, and renovations to the trail and parking.

√ The Roller Rink at Canalside will host game night-themed skating on Friday, Sept. 1 (6-10 p.m.). All the favorite traditional rink games will be played, like limbo and four corners.

√ The Longshed remains open to visitors as staff and volunteers with the Buffalo Maritime Center construct a replica of an 1825 Erie Canal packet boat. Only a few weeks remain to visit this attraction. After Oct. 7, the Longshed will no longer be open for public viewing, as staff complete the finishing touches prior to its anticipated launch in 2025.

√ The second annual “Mafia Boat Parade,” in support of the Buffalo Bills and Oishei Children’s Hospital, takes place Sunday, Sept. 3. Canalside will host a landside celebration from noon to 7 p.m. with a beer tent, Buffalo-themed vendors, food and entertainment.

√ Seasonal vendors, including the Buffalo Boat Tour, BFLO Harbor Kayak, Water Bikes of Buffalo, Canalside Caricatures, Buffalo Heritage Carousel and Longboards Paddle Co., continue to offer family-friendly activities along the Canalside boardwalk and at Wilkeson Pointe.

“What better place to spend the final weekend of summer before the kids go back to school than at the waterfront?” asked Lauren Moloney Ford, general manager, Buffalo Waterfront. “There’s something for everyone, so we encourage all to come out to hear some live music, take a spin on the Roller Rink or get out on the water this holiday weekend.”

While summer may be winding down, Canalside and the Outer Harbor still offer plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the September and early fall weather. The Roller Rink will be open Thursdays through Sundays, with availability for school groups and leagues Monday through Wednesday until Oct. 29. Individuals and businesses can also book private parties at the rink by emailing [email protected].

In addition, free skating lessons will continue to be offered on Saturdays, courtesy of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

For the latest updates to the Labor Day weekend and September schedules, visit https://buffalowaterfront.com or follow Buffalo Waterfront on social media.

Buffalo’s Waterfront is operated by the Buffalo Waterfront Management Group, part of Rich Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of Rich Products.